Sorvagur: A Hidden Gem in the Faroe Islands

• HelloHalló
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeFarvæl
  [far-vail]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVælkomin
  [vail-koh-min]
• Thank youTakk fyri
  [tahk fyi]
• Excuse me/SorryUndirskyld
  [oon-deer-sheelt]
• How are you?Hvussu gongur tú?
  [khoos-soo go-nur too]
• Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?
  [goht. oh too]
• Do you speak English?Talar tú enskt?
  [tah-lar too en-skt]
• I don't understandEg skilji ikki
  [ay shil-yee ihk-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil síggja menuin, vænti
  [ay vil see-jah men-oo-een, vayn-tee]
• I don't eat meatEg eti ikki kjøt
  [ay eh-tee ihk-ki kyut]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vænti
  [ay vil yal-dah, vayn-tee]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [hyowlp]
• Go away!Far burtur!
  [far boor-tur]
• Call the Police!Ring í Politið!
  [reeng ee poh-lee-teeth]
• Call a doctor!Ring eftir lækninum!
  [reeng ehf-teer layk-nee-num]
• I'm lostEg er týstur
  [ay air toos-tur]
• I'm illEg er sjúkur
  [ay air shoo-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...
  [ay vil kay-pah]
• I'm just lookingEg bara gloyma
  [ay bah-rah glow-mah]
• How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?
  [kvaht kohs-tar tah]
• That's too expensiveTað er ov dyrt
  [tahr air ov dihrt]
• Can you lower the price?Kanstu lætta prísin?
  [kahn-stoo lay-tah prees-een]

• What time is it?Hvat er klokkan?
  [kvaht air klohk-ahn]
• It's one o'clockTað er eitt
  [tah air ayt]
• Half past (10)Hálvgjoðan (10)
  [howlg-yoh-than (tayn)]
• MorningMorgun
  [mohr-goon]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seeth-deh-gees]
• EveningKvøld
  [kvool]
• YesterdayÍ gjár
  [ee gya-r]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dah]
• TomorrowÍ morgin
  [ee mohr-geen]
• 1Ein
  [ayn]
• 2Tvær
  [tvy-ar]
• 3Tríggjar
  [tree-gyahr]
• 4Fýra
  [fy-ra]
• 5Fimm
  [feem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Sjey
  [shay]
• 8Átta
  [awt-ta]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Tíggju
  [tee-gyoo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein/tað...?
  [kvar air ayn/tah...?]
• What's the address?Hvat er heimilsheitin?
  [kvaht air hymeel-shay-teen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kanstu vísa mær (á kortinum)?
  [kahn-stoo vee-sah my-ar (ow kort-ee-num)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsti (bussur)?
  [ny-ar keh-moor nye-stee (boos-sur)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eitt miða (til ....)
  [ayt mee-ah (teel ....)]

Sorvagur, located on the island of Vagar in the Faroe Islands, has a history that dates back to the early Norse settlements around the 9th century. The village's name, derived from Old Norse, is thought to mean 'Sørva's field' or 'field of the Saur'. Early settlers were primarily engaged in fishing and sheep farming, activities that continue to be important to this day.

During the Middle Ages, the Faroe Islands, including Sorvagur, became part of the Norwegian Kingdom and later the Danish realm. The influence of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds, meant that Sorvagur developed into a small but significant trading post. Goods such as dried fish and wool were traded for essential supplies.

The Black Death reached the Faroe Islands in the 14th century, resulting in a dramatic decline in the population. Sorvagur, like many other villages, faced significant challenges during this period, and many areas were abandoned. It took several generations for the population to recover and for normal village life to resume.

Christianity was introduced to the Faroe Islands in the 11th century, but it wasn't until the late Middle Ages that churches were established in most villages. Sorvagur saw the construction of its first church in the 19th century, a significant cultural and social milestone for the community. Today, the Sorvagur Church stands as a symbol of the village's rich religious heritage.

Whaling has been a part of Faroese culture for centuries, and Sorvagur has played a role in this tradition. The community has participated in the grindadráp, or pilot whale drive, which is a communal activity and a significant part of Faroese heritage. The practice is both a means of subsistence and a culturally symbolic act, deeply embedded in the local way of life.

During World War II, the Faroe Islands were occupied by British forces to prevent a German invasion. Sorvagur, with its strategic location and proximity to the Vagar Airfield, saw British troops stationed in the area. This period brought about significant changes, including the construction of infrastructure and increased interaction with the outside world.

In recent decades, Sorvagur has undergone significant development, particularly with the growth of tourism. The opening of Vagar Airport in 1963 transformed the village into a gateway for visitors to the Faroe Islands. Today, Sorvagur is known for its scenic landscapes, traditional Faroese architecture, and as a starting point for exploring the island of Vagar.

Sorvagur is located on the island of Vagar in the Faroe Islands. The most convenient way to get there is by flying into Vagar Airport (FAE), which is just a short distance from Sorvagur. Direct flights are available from several European cities, including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Edinburgh. Alternatively, you can reach Sorvagur by ferry from Denmark to Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, and then take a local bus or drive to Sorvagur.

Sorvagur is a small village, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses operated by SSL (Strandfaraskip Landsins) are reliable and connect Sorvagur with other parts of Vagar and the Faroe Islands. Car rentals are also available at Vagar Airport and in Sorvagur, offering flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive.

The official currency in the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna (DKK), which is pegged to the Danish krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are available in Sorvagur for cash withdrawals.

Sorvagur is generally a very safe destination with a low crime rate. However, tourists should always take standard precautions, such as not leaving belongings unattended and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. The community is welcoming and friendly, making it a comfortable place for visitors.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. The nearest medical facility is located in the town of Midvagur, a short drive from Sorvagur. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the nearby towns.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, as the weather can change rapidly. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in churches. Remove hats and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful to drivers and other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Góðan dag.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fermented lamb and fresh seafood. Don’t refuse food offered by locals, as it is a sign of hospitality.

To experience Sorvagur like a local, visit the local cafe 'Cafe Fjorooy,' which offers traditional Faroese dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share stories about their homeland. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby village of Gasadalur, which offers stunning views and a famous waterfall. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the bird cliffs of Mykines, where you can see puffins and other seabirds up close.